Vaporizer for refrigerators



Jan. 9, 1934;

A. R. COSGROVE 1,943,007 VAPORIZER FOR REFRIGERATORS Filed May 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 121m Katy/we Jan. 9, 1934. A. R. COSGROVE VAPORIZER FOR REFRIGERATORS Filed May 3, 1930 2 Sheets- Sheet 9 gmantoz I filial/Y. Coq'yraw Patented Jan. 9, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Parry Corporation, Delaware York, Pa., a corporation of Application May 3, 1930. Serial No. 449,651

4 Claims.

The invention relates to improvements in a vaporizing or expansion element for use in refrigerating systems of the domestic type.

The invention'has particular reference to a vaporizing element for use with the flooded type of system, although it is also applicable for use in a system of the direct expansion type.

It is an object of the invention to provide a vaporizing chamber in which the liquid refrigerant drum and the vapor conducting channels or passages are provided by using substantially complemental connected sections. Such sections are preferably stamped, pressed, or otherwise formed from metal sheets and then connected to provide an inexpensive yet rigid element thoroughly capable of supporting the ice freezing trays at points adjacent the refrigerant conducting tubes and to withstand the various attacks made upon such an element by moisture, the refrigerating medium, etc.

In practice, I preferably construct the vaporizing element from steel stampings or other metal capable of being stamped or rolled. The sections when properly stamped or rolled are then united to form the unit by welding or other desirable means.

In the drawings Figure 1 represents a view showing the vaporizing element;

Figure 2 represents another view of the vaporizing element showing a side opposite to that shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section of the vaporizing element;

Figure 4 is a vertical transverse section of the vaporizing element; and

Figure 5 is a view of one of the sections forming the vaporizing element.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate corresponding parts, the vaporizing or expansion element is made from a pair of sectional parts 1 and 2. Each section is preferably composed of metal which may have its exterior surface treated to render it rust-proof. Each section is formed by suitable stamping, or pressing metal strips giving each strip a semi-circular upper portion 4 and a depending plate-like side or part 5 having a continuous channel 6 extending therearound near the side edge and bottom of each plate and the vertical channels 7 communicating with the bottom lead of the channel 6 at their lower ends and entering the semi-circular refrigerant receptacle forming part 4 at the upper end of each stamping.

Two stampings, as before specified, are utilized to produce the vaporizing element. These stampings are preferably substantially complemental. The semi-circular refrigerant tank forming part and channels 6 and 7 in one stamping are disposed in alignment with similarly formed parts and channels in the other stamping to provide a refrigerant tank and communicating conduits or openings for the free passage of a refrigerating medium which undergoes vaporization in the channels to extract heat from the surrounding air. 1

The sections forming the vaporizing element are united preferably by welding the outer edges of each section as indicated by the reference character l0 and by suitably spot welding said sections at various points within their borders. 1 preferably also weld to one of the sections a series 'of supporting plates 11' adapted to receive trays or the like containing water or other materials that are to be subjected to freezing temperatures. Attached to the section opposite the one supporting the plates 11 are a series of vertical strengthening webs 12 united thereto by welding.

The tank 8 is closed at one end by a cap 13 welded to the semi-circular portions 4 of each section, while the opposite end of the tank has secured thereto by welding or otherwise a fitting 14 adapted to receive a removable plate 15 having a suitable refrigerant entrance 16, a gas or vapor outlet 1'7, and if desirable a connection in which a controlling device responsive to the vapor pressure in the system is provided for controlling the operation of the compressor motor. If a thermostat control is used the latter line may be dispensed with.

It will be appreciated that in the drum 8 there is provided a float-valve, if the system is being operated as a flooded system, which will act automatically to maintain the liquid refrigerant in the drum at the desired level or in other words to always maintain in the drum a uniform quantity of unliquefied refrigerant to be supplied to the channels in the vaporizer where such refrigerant boils and cools the surrounding atmosphere. As float-valves for this purpose are well 1 0 known, I may use one of the conventional type and hence do not deem it necessary to disclose such a valve in the liquid refrigerant tank 8 as the valve per se forms no part of the invention.

It will be observed that the drum 8 is provided 0 with a series of radial heat conducting flanges 15. These flanges may be formed by the suitable stamping of metal and are secured to the drum for the purpose of dissipating heat by welding 01 otherwise. The expansion chamber herein 0 described is preferably constructed from stampings of sheet metal. The sections may of course be made from pressed metal if desired. It will also be observed that the evaporator or vaporizing chamber is composed of complemental sections which when united by welding provide the refrigerant tank 8 and the various channels 6 and 7 communicating with the refrigerant tank and extending around the side portions of the evaporator, and in which channels the refrigerant boils to extract heat from the surrounding atmosphere, thereby effecting a freezing of the water or other material supported in the trays resting on the plates 11 connected to one of the sections of the evaporator.

The construction of vaporizer herein described can also be used in connection with a direct expansion system or in other words a system wherein an expansion valve is provided and no constant body of refrigerant maintained. Also while the sections are preferably constructed of stamped or pressed metal which is most desirable and possesses many advantages, the invention is fine a plurality of vaporizing tubes in communication with the tank, supporting devices attached to one of said walls and radiating fins to increase radiation surface attached to the other of said side walls.

2. A vaporizing unit of the class described comprising sheet metal material bent to provide a tank and having continuations thereof pressed into face-to-face relationship and defining a continuous radiating surface, said sheet metal continuations having corrugations formed therein defining passage ways communicating with the tank.

3. A vaporizing element for refrigerators comprising a pair of stamped complemental sections, said sections providing a refrigerant tank of tubular formation and truly vertically depending sheet metal stampings maintained in contacting relationship with each other, said stampings being corrugated to provide passageways communicating with the tank, and means surrounding the refrigerant tank to reinforce the same.

4. A vaporizing element for refrigerators comprising a pair of stamped complemental sections, said sections providing a refrigerant tank of tubular formation and truly vertically depending sheet metal stampings maintained in contacting relationship with each other, said stampings being corrugated to provide passageways communicating with the tank, and means having radiating fins surrounding the tank for reinforcing the same.

ALLEN R. COSGROVE. 

